Broccoli Beer Cheese Soup 🥦🧀🍺 Velvety, Cheesy, Beer-Backed — With a Full Serving of Green
This version brings together fresh broccoli, sharp cheddar, and a full pour of beer into a rich, comforting soup that delivers on both flavor and texture. Perfect for cold nights, game day spreads, or whenever you need a savory, cheesy fix.
Ingredients (Serves 4–6)
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1½ cups beer (amber ale, wheat beer, or light lager — not too bitter)
- 1½ cups low-sodium vegetable or chicken broth
- 3 cups broccoli florets, chopped small
- 1 cup shredded carrots (optional, for texture and color)
- 1½ cups whole milk or half-and-half
- 1½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- ½ cup shredded Monterey Jack or gouda (for meltability)
- ½ tsp mustard powder or Dijon
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: pinch of cayenne, splash of hot sauce, or squeeze of lemon
Instructions
Step 1: Build the Flavor Base
Melt butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add onions and sauté 4–5 minutes until soft. Stir in garlic and cook 1 minute more.
Step 2: Make the Roux
Sprinkle in flour and stir constantly for 1–2 minutes to form a light roux. This thickens your soup without clumps.
Step 3: Add Beer & Broth
Slowly whisk in beer, then broth. Bring to a simmer and cook 5 minutes to mellow the beer and develop flavor.
Step 4: Add Veggies
Add broccoli and carrots. Cover and simmer 10–12 minutes, until the broccoli is fork-tender. If you want a smoother soup, blend part (or all) of it with an immersion blender before adding dairy.
Step 5: Stir in Dairy & Cheese
Lower heat to medium-low. Stir in milk (or half-and-half), mustard, paprika, and any optional heat. Add cheese slowly, stirring constantly until fully melted and smooth. Don’t boil once cheese is added — keep it creamy.
Step 6: Taste & Finish
Season with salt and pepper. Add a squeeze of lemon juice or hot sauce to brighten if needed. Adjust thickness with extra broth or milk.
Step 7: Serve
Ladle into bowls. Top with more shredded cheese, crumbled bacon, scallions, or crispy pretzel croutons. Serve with warm bread or soft pretzels.
Beer Style Tips
- Amber ale = malty and balanced — great choice
- Wheat beer = light, smooth, and creamy
- Lager = clean and neutral if you want the cheese to shine
- Avoid IPAs or overly bitter stouts — they can clash with dairy and broccoli
Flavor Variations
- Add cooked, crumbled bacon for smoky depth
- Stir in diced potatoes with the broccoli for a chowder-style twist
- Blend it totally smooth for a silky finish, or leave chunky for texture
- Use smoked cheddar or gouda for bolder flavor
Pro Tips
- Fresh broccoli gives the best texture and flavor, but frozen works in a pinch
- Shred your own cheese for the smoothest melt — no clumping
- Make ahead and reheat gently (don’t boil) — it gets better the next day
- Thin it with a splash of beer or broth if it thickens too much in the fridge
🥣 Explore the Beer-Infused Soup Series
Warm, comforting, and layered with brew-based depth — these beer-infused soups are perfect for chilly nights, pub-inspired meals, or anyone who loves bold, savory flavors in a spoon.
🍺 Beer-Infused Soup Recipes (Main Hub) – Your full guide to hearty, cheesy, and ale-simmered soups.
🧅 Rich, Savory & Brothy
🧅 French Onion Ale Soup – Caramelized onions in a malty ale broth with a cheesy toast topper.
🥔 Potato Ale Soup – Creamy potatoes, beer, and smoky bacon for full-bodied comfort.
🍄 Mushroom & Ale Soup – Earthy mushrooms in a deep, umami-rich ale broth.
🫘 White Bean & Sausage Beer Soup – Hearty, rustic, and loaded with savory flavor.
🧀 Cheesy, Creamy, & Loaded with Flavor
🧀 Beer Cheese Soup – The pub classic: sharp cheddar, malty beer, and creamy richness.
🥔🧀 Beer Cheese Potato Soup – Extra creamy with soft potatoes and melted cheese.
🥦🧀 Broccoli Beer Cheese Soup – A green twist on the cheesy original.
🇮🇪 Irish Beer Cheese Soup – Bold and hearty, with Irish cheddar and dark beer notes.
🌶️ Bonus: Chili Counts Too
🌶️ Beer Chili Recipe – Classic beef chili slow-simmered with ale for depth and body.
Final Thoughts
Broccoli Beer Cheese Soup is comforting, malty, and full of flavor — the perfect blend of fresh veg and indulgent cheese with a pour of beer lifting every spoonful. It’s not just pub food — it’s pure bowl-based satisfaction.
Simmer bold. Stir in beer. Serve hot with bread. 🥦🧀🍺🔥
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From crispy beer-battered classics to bold mains, cheesy dips, breads, and even desserts — these roundups bring together the best of beer-infused cooking. Whether you’re hosting a game day, planning a backyard BBQ, or just experimenting in the kitchen, there’s a beer recipe collection for every craving.
- 🍽️ Cooking with Beer (Main Hub) – Your ultimate guide to cooking with beer, from mains to apps and desserts.
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